Regions Bank Supports New JA Education Center to Empower Alabama Students
On a brisk January morning, a dedicated group of Birmingham-based associates made their way just two blocks east of Regions Center to participate in a significant city-wide event. This gathering was held to celebrate a vital community partnership and introduce new opportunities for local students.
Junior Achievement (JA) of Alabama recently marked the beginning of construction for the McWane Economic Education Center, a 30,000-square-foot facility designed to provide hands-on learning experiences. Once completed, the center will support the education of more than 20,000 middle school students across Alabama each year.
JA is a nonprofit organization committed to equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the global economy. Its programs focus on essential topics such as career readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, helping students navigate real-world challenges.
Regions Bank has pledged $1 million to support the new education center, which will be built on land that the bank had previously owned before selling it to JA. Regions has a long-standing relationship with JA, both in Birmingham and throughout its service areas, with its associates actively involved in classroom education, fundraising initiatives, and leadership roles within the organization. JA’s mission closely aligns with Regions’ Community Engagement strategy, which prioritizes financial wellness, education, economic development, and workforce preparation.
Among those representing Regions at the groundbreaking ceremony was John Turner, Chairman, President, and CEO, who also serves as honorary co-chair for the center’s capital campaign. Turner delivered remarks at the event, alongside other key leaders, including Chief Financial Officer David Turner, a longstanding JA of Alabama board member, and Leroy Abrahams, Head of Community Engagement.
"We’re proud to support this important initiative that Junior Achievement is bringing to life," said Turner. "This learning center will provide Birmingham’s youth with essential financial skills, helping them make informed decisions about their future. At Regions, our mission is to enhance lives, and we firmly believe that financial education plays a crucial role in achieving that goal."
The ceremony was attended by Chip Reed, President of JA of Alabama, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, corporate partners, community leaders, and members of the media.
The McWane Economic Education Center will serve as the headquarters for JA of Alabama and will house two flagship programs: JA BizTown and JA Finance Park, the latter of which will be supported by Regions.
JA Finance Park will provide older middle school students with hands-on experience in financial planning and career development through an immersive environment. Participants will apply classroom learning to real-world scenarios, including budgeting, expense management, saving strategies, and understanding credit. With guidance from volunteers, students will develop personal budgets, explore career paths, and gain insights into investments, insurance, taxes, and credit management.
Meanwhile, JA BizTown will offer sixth graders a simulated city experience where they take on roles such as business owners, bank operators, restaurant managers, and even elected officials, gaining practical exposure to economic principles.
"This time next year, this facility will be providing 200 students per day—20,000 annually—with an opportunity to explore and envision a future that might have seemed out of reach," said Reed. "They will engage in real-life financial activities, preparing them with knowledge and skills that are essential for success."
The center will also create volunteer opportunities, requiring 4,000 community members each year to help facilitate programs. Regions is set to play a key role in these efforts.
During his speech, Turner emphasized that the event was about more than just laying the foundation for a new building—it was about laying the foundation for stronger financial futures.
"Financial education empowers individuals," Turner said. "When people have the skills, training, and career opportunities to improve their lives, they strengthen the community as a whole."
Junior Achievement (JA) of Alabama recently marked the beginning of construction for the McWane Economic Education Center, a 30,000-square-foot facility designed to provide hands-on learning experiences. Once completed, the center will support the education of more than 20,000 middle school students across Alabama each year.
JA is a nonprofit organization committed to equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the global economy. Its programs focus on essential topics such as career readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, helping students navigate real-world challenges.
Regions Bank has pledged $1 million to support the new education center, which will be built on land that the bank had previously owned before selling it to JA. Regions has a long-standing relationship with JA, both in Birmingham and throughout its service areas, with its associates actively involved in classroom education, fundraising initiatives, and leadership roles within the organization. JA’s mission closely aligns with Regions’ Community Engagement strategy, which prioritizes financial wellness, education, economic development, and workforce preparation.
Among those representing Regions at the groundbreaking ceremony was John Turner, Chairman, President, and CEO, who also serves as honorary co-chair for the center’s capital campaign. Turner delivered remarks at the event, alongside other key leaders, including Chief Financial Officer David Turner, a longstanding JA of Alabama board member, and Leroy Abrahams, Head of Community Engagement.
"We’re proud to support this important initiative that Junior Achievement is bringing to life," said Turner. "This learning center will provide Birmingham’s youth with essential financial skills, helping them make informed decisions about their future. At Regions, our mission is to enhance lives, and we firmly believe that financial education plays a crucial role in achieving that goal."
The ceremony was attended by Chip Reed, President of JA of Alabama, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, corporate partners, community leaders, and members of the media.
The McWane Economic Education Center will serve as the headquarters for JA of Alabama and will house two flagship programs: JA BizTown and JA Finance Park, the latter of which will be supported by Regions.
JA Finance Park will provide older middle school students with hands-on experience in financial planning and career development through an immersive environment. Participants will apply classroom learning to real-world scenarios, including budgeting, expense management, saving strategies, and understanding credit. With guidance from volunteers, students will develop personal budgets, explore career paths, and gain insights into investments, insurance, taxes, and credit management.
Meanwhile, JA BizTown will offer sixth graders a simulated city experience where they take on roles such as business owners, bank operators, restaurant managers, and even elected officials, gaining practical exposure to economic principles.
"This time next year, this facility will be providing 200 students per day—20,000 annually—with an opportunity to explore and envision a future that might have seemed out of reach," said Reed. "They will engage in real-life financial activities, preparing them with knowledge and skills that are essential for success."
The center will also create volunteer opportunities, requiring 4,000 community members each year to help facilitate programs. Regions is set to play a key role in these efforts.
During his speech, Turner emphasized that the event was about more than just laying the foundation for a new building—it was about laying the foundation for stronger financial futures.
"Financial education empowers individuals," Turner said. "When people have the skills, training, and career opportunities to improve their lives, they strengthen the community as a whole."
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